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Obama, critics mark Benghazi anniversary

Wednesday isn't just the 12th anniversary of 9/11 -- it's the first anniversary of Benghazi. Both President Obama and his critics paid tribute to the four Americans who lost their lives in the attack a year

Obama, critics mark Benghazi anniversary

At the Pentagon, the President laid a wreath in honor of the victims in the building and on the plane twelve years ago. Near Shanksville, Pennsylvania, the families of the passengers and crew aboard United Flight 93 recalled their loved ones as hero
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Wednesday isn't just the 12th anniversary of 9/11 -- it's the first anniversary of Benghazi.

Both President Obama and his critics paid tribute to the four Americans who lost their lives in the attack a year ago on a U.S. facility in Benghazi, Libya.

During a 9/11 memorial ceremony at the Pentagon, Obama said: "We pray for all those who have stepped forward in those years of war -- diplomats who serve in dangerous posts, as we saw this day last year in Benghazi, intelligence professionals, often unseen and unheralded who protect us in every way -- our men and women in uniform who defend this country that we love."

Congressional Republicans continue to criticize the Obama administration for its handling of Benghazi, and say officials are covering up exactly what happened there.

"President Obama promised the American people we would track down those responsible and bring them to justice," said a statement from Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C. "One year after the attack, no one has been held accountable."

Graham added: "Questions about what happened in Benghazi remain unanswered and the American people deserve answers."

The White House also cited the dual anniversaries in a statement about security preparations for 9/11:

"September 11th has been a day of remembrance for 12 years for Americans and others around the world.

"The events of last year, losing four brave Americans -- Chris Stevens, Sean Smith, Glen Doherty and Tyrone Woods -- brought home the reality of the challenges we face in the world.

"As we near this day of remembrance, we continue to mourn the death of our cherished colleagues and honor their dedication to public service.

"We remain committed to bringing the perpetrators of the Benghazi attacks to justice and to ensuring the safety of our brave personnel serving overseas."